Torres "out for weeks"

[BlueLion. 21,491]

José Mourinho has confirmed striker Fernando Torres is out for a number of weeks after suffering ligament damage in Chelsea's 3-1 defeat of Manchester United on Sunday.

Torres, a late substitute for hat-trick hero Samuel Eto'o, was involved in a clash with United full-back Rafael, who was later exceedingly lucky not to be dismissed for a horror tackle on Gary Cahill.

And, speaking to ChelseaTV, Mourinho confirmed that the Spaniard would miss a number of weeks after suffering damage to the lateral knee ligament.

Torres, who has scored eight goals this season, had netted in his two previous Premier League starts prior to his omission in favour of Eto'o on Sunday, and is now set to miss a crucial run of fixtures including next weekend's FA Cup clash with Stoke City.

It does, however, present the chance for Demba Ba to return to the side, with Mourinho saying it 'was very difficult' not to start the Senegalese strike after the 'brilliant week' he had enjoyed in training.

[xPetrCechx 13,547]

[Strike 7,108]

Chance for Demba Ba

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Good thing Samuel's confidence must be through the roof now. Hope his form continues.

[oman43 45]

Its Ba's chance. Particularly with the FA Cup being the next match, he could even have a starting spot.

[Sovieticus 743]

Good thing Samuel's confidence must be through the roof now. Hope his form continues.

Probably only in the big games. Rest of it, meeh.